People always ask me for business advice and whilst I’m certainly no expert, I’ve picked up a couple of things over the last 5 years. So, here are some things I’ve learnt and along with the best advice I’ve received from people far more successful than me…
👉 There’s never a right time to start a business – just do it!
👉 Make sure you have a financial safety net before you quit your job
👉 Force yourself to go to networking – it’s worth it
👉 Research free mentoring and business skill workshops in your area
👉 Don’t run to get a business loan, see how profitable it is first
👉 Get an accountant, they’re worth their weight in gold
👉 Speak to a professional before going Ltd – it comes with challenges
👉 Try not to rely on one big client
👉 Do your research on invoicing platforms from the get-go
👉 Freelance or business owner, always have a separate bank account
👉 Check your digital footprint before promoting your name
👉 If you’re choosing a business name, check it hasn’t been taken
👉 Find yourself a business mentor that you trust
👉 Don’t work in the evenings or the weekends – take a break
👉 Start using a project management system from day 1
👉 Track and celebrate your successes, no matter how small
👉 Religiously use your calendar to set meetings
👉 Start your day by planning out your tasks
👉 Don’t forget about expenses and always collect receipts
👉 Always get a down payment or payment upfront
👉 Make sure your LinkedIn and other social media channels are up to date
👉 Get into the habit of time-tracking when you’re working
👉 Ask your first few clients for testimonials, they’re so important
👉 Always save % of your earnings for tax
👉 Stop comparing yourself to your competitors
👉 Set yourself a routine
👉 Some people find it lonely, research co-working spaces if this is you
👉 Get yourself some business insurance
👉 Remember you have two ears and one mouth for a reason
👉 Automate your invoice reminders
👉 Careful to monitor when you reach the VAT threshold
👉 Always get a signed Statement of Work before you start working
👉 Check-in with yourself and make sure you’re happy and healthy
👉 Subscribe to business and freelancing podcasts
👉 Under-promise and over-deliver
👉 Keep an archive of past work that’s well organised
👉 Consider taking a business course online
👉 Never sell your time by the hour, set a project or day rate
👉 Find freelance friends that you can relate to
👉 Get back to your clients in less than 48 hours
👉 Create processes and templates whenever you start something new
👉 Always be completely honest with clients and suppliers
👉 Turn notifications off on your phone, it’ll drive you crazy otherwise
👉 Make sure you have solid contracts
👉 Read as much as possible – both online and offline
👉 Keep communication going with you and your clients
👉 Don’t lower your prices, instead, tweak your offering
👉 You should never feel bad chasing invoices
👉 Never, ever work for free – trust me, you don’t need to
👉 Automate onboarding when you begin starting with a new client
👉 Remember to increase your prices every few months
👉 You’re allowed to say ‘no’ to prospective clients
